Colorado State Senator Resigns to Lead Nonprofit Combating Antisemitism

Dafna Michaelson Jenet steps down after over 9 years of public service

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Colorado state Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet announced her resignation from the state Senate to become the director of the David and Laura Merage Foundation for Confronting Antisemitism, a nonprofit organization. Michaelson Jenet, a Democrat, had represented Commerce City and served as Senate president pro tempore.

Why it matters

Michaelson Jenet's resignation marks a significant transition, as she leaves her legislative role to take on a leadership position at a nonprofit focused on combating antisemitism, an issue she has championed during her time in office. Her departure creates a vacancy that will be filled through a special appointment process.

The details

During her tenure, Michaelson Jenet created the "I Matter" program to connect Colorado children with mental health support, and she sponsored a bill requiring Holocaust studies to be taught in the state's public schools. She reflected on her time in public service, stating that it has been "the honor of a lifetime."

  • Michaelson Jenet announced her resignation on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • She will be leaving her Senate seat to assume the director role at the David and Laura Merage Foundation for Confronting Antisemitism.

The players

Dafna Michaelson Jenet

A Democratic state senator who represented Commerce City, Colorado, and served as Senate president pro tempore. She is resigning to lead a nonprofit organization focused on combating antisemitism.

Jared Polis

The Democratic governor of Colorado, who expressed well wishes for Michaelson Jenet as she departs the state Senate.

David and Laura Merage Foundation for Confronting Antisemitism

A nonprofit organization that Michaelson Jenet will be leading after her resignation from the Colorado Senate.

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What they’re saying

“Serving the people of Senate District 21, and previously House District 32, has been the honor of a lifetime, and I reflect on more than nine years of public service with immense pride.”

— Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Outgoing Colorado State Senator

“I am so thankful to the people of Senate District 21 for their trust, to my colleagues in the House and Senate for their partnership on legislation both big and small, and to my family for their perseverance and grace at every step of this journey.”

— Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Outgoing Colorado State Senator

“I wish Dafna Michaelson Jenet the best as she resigns from the Senate.”

— Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado

What’s next

A vacancy committee will appoint someone to replace Michaelson Jenet for the remainder of her term, and voters will decide who will serve the final two years of her term in the November 2026 election.

The takeaway

Michaelson Jenet's resignation marks the end of her over 9-year tenure in the Colorado legislature, during which she championed important causes like mental health support for children and Holocaust education. Her new role leading a nonprofit focused on combating antisemitism represents a significant shift in her public service work.